Lun Yu – The Analects of Confucius

Lunyu II. 20. (36)

Example in superiors is more powerful than force.
Chî K'ang asked how to cause the people to reverence their ruler, to be faithful to him, and to go on to nerve themselves to virtue. The Master said, "Let him preside over them with gravity;– then they will reverence him. Let him be final and kind to all;– then they will be faithful to him. Let him advance the good and teach the incompetent;– then they will eagerly seek to be virtuous."

Legge II.20.

Chi K'ang Tzu asked, 'How can one inculcate in the common people the virtue of reverence, of doing their best and of enthusiasm?'
The Master said, 'Rule over them with dignity and they will be reverent; treat them with kindness and they will do their best; raise the good and instruct those who are backward and they will be imbued with enthusiasm.'